Question

Using readings from the class thus far, consider the following:

Gender normative patterns of communication. What consequences do women face when norms are broken? What are the benefits?

Can language, or ways of speaking, be used a form of resistance to the hetero-patriarchy?

Further:

Should women "tone down" how they talk to each other, and to men/gender neutral?

What about men? What role do they have in language about or towards women?

Discuss language about women.

Last, briefly reflect: How do you feel when someone uses a sexist term when addressing or discussing a woman/women? Is it appropriate?

Answer 1

Answer: Breaking of norms and its consequences is largely dependent on the culture they are coming from as some culture are very strict about their norms and some are not. Also the consequences can be varied depending on which norm had been broken.For example girl marrying a boy outside its culture/community can be seen as very bad thing that they are been killed in a some community while the same situation might not effect the other community people.

To my point of view it might be used as form of resistance to the hetero-patrichy as if you might have noticed that men usually talk/speak in louder tone comparing to women and it somewhere is affecting why women feel scared. If the women uses a strong and a little louder voice it might help in resistance towards the situation she disagrees on.

Toning down voice depends on situations like the situation demand to be dominant then a louder voice won't do any harm same when you need to ease the situation a normal tone voice would be best in option. Does what kind of situation you are dealing with can effect whether you have to tone down or not.

Same goes for men. It's true that man are good in comparison to women in some aspects that can't be denied. But the role of man toward women should be more of understanding and giving respect. If a women is more capable than you instead of seeing as how a women is better than me think it as i have to improve my self more. Rather focusing on the women part.

Women communication is way of getting closer, seek understanding and find equality and symmetry. Also women indulges more in a nonverbal language.

They uses more of facial expression as they include head nodding and eye contact as since child they are taught "more appeasement body language". Not only this women engages more in para language like 'ah', 'umm' , 'or' than man do. Women gestures are more of fluid. And they tend to reach out for hugs and handshakes more often.

When someone uses sexist term is not at all appropriate it's like you are looking down on someone even without knowing them.